First Nations Fatalities in Custody in Australia Hit Record Number Since 1980

The count of Indigenous people losing their lives while in custody in Australia has reached its peak point since the beginning of official data began in 1980.

Recently released statistics indicate that 33 of the 113 people who passed away in custody in the year leading up to June have been identified as of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. This marks an increase from 24 fatalities in the prior corresponding period.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain severely overrepresented in the criminal justice system. They constitute over 33% of all incarcerated individuals, despite comprising under 4% of the national population.

These concerning numbers come to light over three decades after a landmark inquiry into First Nations deaths in custody, which put forward numerous of proposed changes.

Breakdown of the Recent Statistics

Of the 33 Indigenous deaths in custody recorded between last July and this June, 26 occurred while in a correctional facility, which is an increase from 18 in the previous year.

A single death was in youth detention, and the vast majority of the deceased were men.

The remaining six fatalities happened in the custody of law enforcement, defined as a situation where someone dies while police are detaining them.

The primary reason of Indigenous deaths was classified as "self-harm," followed by "illness." The report found that asphyxiation was the method in eight of the deaths.

State-by-State Breakdown

The Australian state of New South Wales had the greatest number of Indigenous deaths in correctional facilities with nine, followed by Western Australia with six. Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory each had three deaths.

The increasing number of Indigenous deaths in custody in New South Wales is a "deeply distressing milestone," the state's coroner has said.

In a recent statement, Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan emphasised that this rising trend was not "mere statistics" and that these deaths demanded "thorough and careful scrutiny, respect and accountability."

Profile Details and Expert Response

The average age of those who died was 45 years, and eleven of the deceased were awaiting a sentence.

A criminal law expert, Amanda Porter, described the figures as representing a "country-wide emergency" that needs "leadership and government action."

Ms. Porter, who has attended several official inquiries with grieving families, stated little has changed since the 1991's royal commission that aimed to address this crisis.

"It's heartbreaking to see the number of investigations I attend, the many funerals families have to attend, and the fact that we are 30 years past the inquiry, and the situation is getting increasingly more severe," she commented.

From the time of the landmark inquiry, a approximately 600 Indigenous people have lost their lives in custody, which encompasses six in youth detention, according to the report.